Our team of Dynasty analysts conducted our first Dynasty rookie mock draft of the season last week. This was a 4 round, Superflex, TE premium Dynasty rookie draft. Below are the pick-by-pick results along with a summary of the reasoning for the selection by the analyst who made the pick. Enjoy!
1.01 – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Anthony Walesby – @DynastyPatrolHQ
Caleb Williams is the easy 1.01 for all SF rookie drafts. He is without a doubt the best QB in this class, a fact that has been known for over a year. His backyard ball style is reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes, meaning Caleb Williams is going to be incredibly fun to watch in the NFL. Invest with confidence.
1.02 – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Doug Harrelson – @dougharrelson
While many are going to go with quarterbacks here, I think the position has lost a little insulation from past seasons. Teams are much more willing to jump off a quarterback than ever before. I generally do still prefer quarterbacks over wide receivers, but I now make exceptions if there is a uniquely talented option available. I don’t want to be the guy taking Trey Lance when Ja’Marr Chase was available.
1.03 – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Michael Romero – @dff_mr
What a journey it’s been for Jayden Daniels, from a late-round 2020/2021 Devy selection while he was at ASU to a predicted top-5 NFL Draft pick in 2024. Daniels is one of the fun yet polarizing prospects for real-life football, but his Konami qualities give him the edge over Drake Maye in my opinion at the current price. Ask me again in May after landing spots are confirmed.
1.04 – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Jason Woodworth – @dff_woody
Getting Drake Maye at 1.04 was unheard of before the NFL offseason began. Now with the Jayden Daniels hype, we are seeing more and more ‘Maye as QB3’ stances. I believe this a perfect case of prospect fatigue since Maye has held a high NFL pedigree since his freshman season. If Maye falls in your SF rookie draft, don’t hesitate to click the draft button!
1.05 – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Chris Museezer – @force_fantasy
I love the 1.05 spot in this rookie draft. You are guaranteed a blue-chip stud. You can trade out of a higher pick, add an asset, and still get an elite player. Per my WR 1 model, Nabers has the most elite analytical profile since Ja’Marr Chase. He led this class in PFF receiving grade (93.5), yards per route run (3.86), and receiving yards per team pass attempt (3.86). He did all this at the tender age of 20 showing elite age-adjusted production.
He was borderline unguardable at LSU, despite playing in the best conference in the nation. His ability to change direction at full speed was unfair to college cornerbacks. 43 of his 86 catches went for more than 15 yards. He is an explosive play waiting to happen.
1.06 – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Jim Moorman – @jim_dff
Brock Bowers has arguably the best analytical profile we’ve seen from a tight end coming out of college. He broke out as a true freshman, declared as a true junior, and broke all kinds of Bulldog records in the process. He’s slightly undersized but a quality run-blocker, so I expect he’ll be seeing an 80%+ snap share from Day 1. We’re talking about a guy who the fantasy community widely regards as a top-5 Dynasty tight end already, and could be considered the TE1 overall with a good enough rookie season. He’s probably going top-15 in the NFL Draft, but honestly, if he falls further than that, it may be a good thing. He could fall into a better situation, like the Bengals, where he could really thrive. Regardless, Bowers has a very high floor and a league-winning ceiling.
1.07 – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
@DynastyPatrolHQ
I love the top 7 in this class and see a big tier drop after them. Having said that, I was very happy to be sitting at 1.07 and to have Rome Odunze fall into my lap. Odunze is an elite WR who showed out at the combine. His tape is even more exciting and he can run every route and dominate at the point of attack. Odunze should get top-10 draft capital and will excel at the next level.
1.08 – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
@dougharrelson
While I myself am not super high on McCarthy, many expect to see McCarthy go in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. If that is the case, I cannot let him slip past me here at 1.08, regardless of whether I have a roster that needs a quarterback or not. He has some reasonable athleticism that could make him useful to my Dynasty team sooner rather than later and he could even give me a window to flip him next offseason if I am not completely sold.
1.09 – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
@dff_mr
Let’s keep this Rookie Mock Draft in the LSU family with a 6’3” WR, Brian Thomas Jr. I’d like to see him put on 15-20 lbs. before training camps start, but his Combine performance cemented him as a first-round NFL Draft pick. His 9.97u RAS is a Tigers record since this metric was implemented, including scores for Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Odell Beckham Jr., and Malik Nabers.
1.10 – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
@dff_woody
After a record-breaking combine performance, it will be interesting to watch how NFL teams react to Worthy in the draft in April. The hype is building for this speedster, but if he lands somewhere that the dynasty community favors, then the hype is just getting started.
1.11 – Troy Franklin, Wide Reciever, Oregon
@force_fantasy
I considered another player here but Franklin was the last of a tier for me in wide receivers with a considerable drop-off after him. My peers have done a good job not making any reaches to this point in the rookie draft. Franklin posted a 3.32 yards per route run mark, ranking 4th in this WR class. He clears several of the key predictive analytical thresholds, eclipsing the 20% team yardage/touchdown share in his second year at Oregon, entering the draft as an early declare and compiling a 31.2% weighted dominator.
Franklin showcases a quick release of the line. He creates easy separation that will translate at the NFL level. He is a true outside weapon.
1.12 – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
@jim_dff
I’ll stay in Athens with my 1.12 selection and take Ladd McConkey. This is someone the film bros love, with his NFL-ready route-running and ball skills. His career EPA/target of 0.56 leads this entire 2024 WR class, and his 3.26 YPRR was near the very top as well. In short, we didn’t get to see a ton from Ladd in college (ran less than 150 routes this year), but when he was out there, he was efficient. He was used out wide at Georgia pretty frequently, but I believe he’ll transition to a slot guy in the NFL and could really excel in the right situation.
2.01 – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
@DynastyPatrolHQ
I liked Adonai Mitchell pre-combine and debated on who was the better Texas WR between him and Xavier Worthy. Then Mitchell put on a D.K. Metcalf-like performance at the combine and solidified his spot for me. Mitchell is 6’2”, 205 lbs. and ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine—he’s a physical freak. I’d expect him to get back-end first-round draft capital in the actual NFL Draft, but even if he falls to early day two, I love his chances for success in the league and love him at 2.01.
2.02 – Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
@dougharrelson
The debate for RB1 is a much more interesting one than in past years. If anyone wants to take Jonathon Brooks here I would not bat an eye, but I am going to go with the more explosive runner on film. Once we get to the back half of the 1st and into the 2nd, I am aiming for the ceiling and Benson’s speed makes me believe there is a bit more upside with him. Landing spot and draft capital are extremely important for running backs, so this could be subject to change after draft day.
2.03 – Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
@dff_mr
Honestly, I would have been torn between Trey Benson and Jonathon Brooks at this slot, with the slight edge going to Benson primarily because I prefer the faster running back, but I also respect a dude who can get between the tackles and punish the second level. Had he not torn his ACL in November, I believe we’re legitimately talking about a first-round RB Draft talent. Texas keeps delivering with Bijan Robinson in 2023, Brooks in ‘24, and Jaydon Blue + C.J. Baxter coming soon.
2.04 – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
@dff_woody
Falling to WR8 in this mock, I was happy to take a shot at Keon at this price. I’ll admit he doesn’t have eye-popping stats from college, but it’s evident there are flashes of talent when you watch his film. If there is a fall for Coleman in the NFL Draft (third or fourth round) then this selection would be too high for what talent is left on the board.
2.05 – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
@force_fantasy
Bo Nix is mocked right around the end of the first round of the NFL Draft, and first-round quarterbacks eventually get an opportunity to start and show their worth. In past rookie drafts, late first-round QBs or early second-rounders (think Kenny Pickett and Will Levis) have gone at the tail end of the Dynasty rookie draft first round. At 2.05, it is a good value to pick up Nix.
His 77.4% completion percentage this year at Oregon set an NCAA single-season record. Nix is 1 of 3 quarterbacks all time with a season completion % above 75 while having a yards per attempt above 9.0.
2.06 – Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
@jim_dff
Jaylen Wright may be the most underrated prospect in this 2024 rookie class. Analytically, he really doesn’t have any holes in his game. In 2023, Wright led this class in yards per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. He was also near the top in missed tackles forced per attempt, elusiveness rating, PFF run, receiving, and pass block grades, targets per route run, you name it. And the game film backs these numbers up, in my opinion. He has a powerful lower body that allows him to fight through contact, and the explosiveness to break off some massive plays. The Combine results confirmed Wright is an elite athlete and I expect he’ll get Day 2 NFL Draft capital.
2.07 – Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
@DynastyPatrolHQ
Couldn’t be happier than to have my RB1 of the draft class fall to me at 2.07. Corum is a bowling ball at 5’8” and 214 lbs. who led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship in 2023 while amassing 27 rushing TDs. He will jump-cut his way into your fantasy hearts on Sundays very soon. Steal at 2.07 value-wise.
2.08 – Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC
@dougharrelson
There is a big group of running backs clumped in here. Marshawn Lloyd possesses some traits that could get him some playing time early. The combination of his quickness and pass-protecting ability could help him see usage quicker than some of the other players in this range.
2.09 – Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
@dff_mr
In this situation, the landing spot is ultimately going to move the needle 5-6 selections in either direction. As a Devy enthusiast, I’ve had JT Sanders on my radar for two years and have seen his value fluctuate on the fringe late first-to-early-second-round NFL Mocks. In TEP leagues, Sanders holds Trey McBride-like upside provided you’re willing to be patient and that he doesn’t get buried in a TE wasteland. Drop him on the Chargers, Bengals, or Dolphins—this 2.09 might become my 2.03.
2.10 – Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
@dff_woody
This is my best pick thus far. Allen isn’t my RB1, but he is a top-5 back for me in this class pre-NFL Draft. His age-adjusted production from college is nothing short of impressive. He turned 20 in January and has exciting potential as an NFL RB. If a team takes a shot on him in the second round, expect to see him come off the board earlier than this in rookie drafts.
2.11 – Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
@force_fantasy
I expected Marshawn Lloyd to make it back to me for this pick but unfortunately I was sniped. Estime was my next RB up after Lloyd. Estime is a big workhorse-style running back and he projects to get a lot of goal-line work at the NFL level as he did for the Irish with 18 touchdowns last year. He runs hard and was 2nd in this class in yards after contact per attempt. He also performed solidly in missed tackles forced per attempt with 28.4%
2.12 – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
@jim_dff
You won’t be blown away by Roman Wilson’s production profile, but he has a ton of positives to his game that should translate to the next level. Wilson is an excellent route runner, as demonstrated by his low contested target rate in 2023. He also has reliable hands, finishing the season with just a 2% drop rate. And best of all, he’s not afraid to run block. Wilson may only weigh 185 pounds, but he’s tough and knows how to use his hands at the line of scrimmage. He is projected to be an early second-round pick in the NFL Draft, and playing primarily out of the slot, I think Wilson could become an excellent flex option in fantasy for years to come.
3.01 – Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
@DynastyPatrolHQ
I was hoping for Roman Wilson here but was sniped one pick early, which caused me to pivot to Bucky Irving. I’m a big fan of Irving given his production profile at Oregon. Irving ran for over 1,000 yards the past two seasons while also averaging over 6.3 YPC in both seasons. Throw in 11 TDs in 2023 and you’ve got the makings of a bellcow in the league if he’s given the opportunity.
3.02 – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
@dougharrelson
As we hit the back end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 3rd, I am willing to take a lot more risk. Xavier Legette has all the measurables we want in our early-round receiver with none of the polish. His game needs to be cleaned up but the traits he has are not ones we can teach. Think of Legette as the poor man’s George Pickens.
3.03 – Ja’lynn Polk, WR, Washington
@dff_mr
Polk is an example of a prospect growing on me like a weed. At first, it’s subtle, but before you know it, he’s become a full-blown plant you can’t ignore, particularly early in the third round. The landing spot is going to have much to do with his success at the next level (like most rookies going in this range) but I watched a lot of Huskies football this season and all three WRs in this Draft made Michael Penix look damn good. Polk over McMillan for me by a hair.
3.04 – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
@dff_woody
One of if not the biggest risers over the past month of this pre-NFL Draft process. Pearsall tested extremely well at the combine and has even ascended into Daniel Jeremiah’s top-50 overall NFL prospect in this class (ranked 39th). I know he is already 23 years old and played 5 years of college football, which typically doesn’t bode well for dynasty liquidity in the current dynasty landscape. I will be watching closely what team takes Pearsall and how they plan to use him because I believe that will better determine his potential in the NFL.
3.05 – Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
@force_fantasy
Washington is part of the new wave of receivers in the Jaylen Waddle, Tank Dell, or Tyler Lockett mold. Standing at just 5’8, he’s very athletic—he had a ridiculous 42.5” vertical leap at the Combine and led the nation in receptions this year with 110. He is outstanding after the catch, also leading the nation in missed tackles forced per reception. He was again first in this class in weighted dominator rating, second best in contested target rate, second in yards per route run, and second in PFF receiving grade.
3.06 – Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
@jim_dff
Prior to the 2023 season, there were real discussions about who was the superior prospect between Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan. While I can’t deny Rome has done more than enough to answer that question for us, I think the market is far too low on McMillan now. Before his knee injury against Michigan State, McMillan had started the year off with three straight games of 95+ receiving yards. McMillan finished the regular season with a higher target per route run (26.25%) than Rome (25.00%) and had just one contested target all season. He’s a superb route runner, should be a Day 2 NFL Draft pick, and could end up being that high-volume slot guy in the right situation.
3.07 – Devontez Walker, WR, UNC
@DynastyPatrolHQ
I decided to take a shot on Devontez Walker with the 3.07. I’m not a huge Walker fan but this felt like good value here. Walker is a speedster who ran a 4.36 at the combine and excels at getting off the ball quickly and getting separation with his speed. Walker could improve his route running and will find success in the NFL if he falls into the right situation to utilize his downfield speed.
3.08 – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
@dougharrelson
I’m currently operating under the assumption that Penix will be drafted at some point on Day 2. If he falls to Day 3 of the NFL Draft, I probably do not pull the trigger here. While I have thoroughly enjoyed the tape I have seen on Penix, NFL teams have a lot more information on these prospects than even the best of Dynasty analysts. If he falls during the draft, I would trust those evaluations and lower Penix.
3.09 – Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
@dff_mr
It’s a bit surprising to see Shipley fall to the late third when he was consistently a Devy darling the last two seasons. I might have jumped the gun on his NFL Draft value, but Shipley is one of my favorite sleepers this season. He projects as a backup currently, but why not take the shot in this spot?
3.10 – Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
@dff_woody
I was a bit surprised to still see Corley on the board this late in the draft, but I believe that’s a perfect testament to how deep this rookie class appears to be before the NFL Draft. Corley was a 4-year starter at Western Kentucky highlighted by his best season in 2022 catching 101 passes for 1,293 yards. I do have quite a bit of concern that he wasn’t an early declare and didn’t have a better statistical senior season, compared to his junior year; at this point in the draft though, I feel comfortable taking the chance on a risky analytical profile, as long as he doesn’t fall to day 3 of the NFL Draft.
3.11 – Ben Sinnott, Tight End, Kansas St.
@force_fantasy
This is a bad tight-end class, but when your rookie TE2 in a tight-end premium league is still on the board at 3.11, you need to strike. Sinnott’s analytical profile is similar to Sam LaPorta’s; both also had a third-year breakout. Sinnott’s weighted dominator was 23% to Laporta’s 26%. Sinnott’s receiving yards per team pass attempt was 1.71 to Laporta 1.85. Sinnott’s yards per route run was 2.02 to Laporta’s 2.12. Sinnott’s PFF grade was 81 to Laporta’s 85.2. They even tested similarly at the Combine, with Sinott posting a 9.75 Relative Athletic Score to Laporta’s 9.26.
3.12 – Brenden Rice, WR, USC
@jim_dff
Being the son of Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice certainly comes with some high expectations. While Brenden likely isn’t the receiver that his father was, he’s an impressive athlete in his own right. At 6’2” and 208 lbs., Rice has your prototypical X-receiver build that NFL scouts love to see. Rice started his collegiate career at Colorado, eventually transferring to USC for his final two seasons. He posted some respectable numbers in 2023, hauling 45 receptions for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns. His efficiency metrics are nothing to write home about, and I wouldn’t describe him as an elite athlete, but he does everything fairly well. And when you’re the son of arguably the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, I’ll roll the dice at the 3.12 spot.
4.01 – Johnny Wilson, WR, FSU
@DynastyPatrolHQ
Johnny Wilson is a mammoth of a man at 6’6” and 231 lbs. He’s also got blazing speed for such a big man, running a 4.52 at the combine. A size-speed freak, Wilson was the tallest WR to ever participate at the combine and measured in with the longest wingspan ever at 84.5 inches. Wilson’s college production profile isn’t there, but given his skillset, I’m willing to roll the dice this late.
4.02 – Javon Baker, WR, UCF
@dougharrelson
I normally avoid WRs in this range since guys like Puka Nacua are rare, but I am gonna take a chance on one here. A lot of pedigree here from Javon Baker as a former 5-star recruit. I will be listening closely on draft day to see what kind of draft capital we get for Baker, but there is enough route-running skill that I’m willing to take a chance on him here in the 4th round.
4.03 – Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
@dff_mr
Seems like yesterday when Spencer Rattler and D.J. Uiagalelei were positioning themselves as QB1/QB2. Fast forward to 2024 and I’m going with The Rattlesnake here based on pure upside and gut instinct. He’s likely a Day 3 pick but the only rookie QB available capable of smashing his Dynasty ADP.
4.04 – Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona
@dff_woody
I would be extremely shocked if Cowing doesn’t rise in rookie draft ADP as the NFL Draft approaches in April. The eye-popping part of his profile to me is that he eclipsed 1,000 yards on two different teams in back-to-back seasons, 1,354 yards with UTEP in 2021, and 1,034 yards with Arizona in 2022. The reason he is available this late is most likely due to him being a fifth-year senior along with his size—weighing only 168 lbs at the combine.
4.05 – Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
@force_fantasy
We are in the 4th round. Typically here I like to select running backs with contingent injury upside. But I am pivoting here. The other strategy is to select players who have a high ceiling based on traits or odd circumstances that prevented college production. Therefore, I am going with Luke McCaffrey, brother of the most valuable fantasy asset over the last 5 years, Christian McCaffrey.
Luke always wanted to be a quarterback and it wasn’t until his junior year in college that he converted to wide receiver as he knew that was his only future in the NFL. He saw immediate success at wide receiver posting 723 yard and 992 yard seasons in his only two years at wide receiver in college. He posted a solid 2.25 yards per route run in his final year. He is raw, but in the fourth round, that’s the type of player you should target.
4.06 – Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
@jim_dff
If you follow me on Twitter/X, you know I’m a big believer in Kimani Vidal. The four-year player broke all kinds of school records while at Troy, and I think his skillset and playing style will translate well to the NFL level. Vidal was one of the top-graded rushers in the country according to PFF in 2023. With a BMI of 33, Vidal uses his stout frame and low center of gravity to fight through arm tackles and gain consistent yardage above expectation. His build also makes him a very effective pass blocker. And what was most surprising to me was how he performed at the NFL Combine. Vidal ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and had great 10-yard and 20-yard split times. He has surprising speed and burst, and I think he will be a steal for whatever NFL team takes him on Day 3.
4.07 – Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
@DynastyPatrolHQ
Davis has the prototypical side for an NFL bell-cow back at 5’10” and 216 lbs. That’s a solid height/weight profile for a prototypical NFL RB. He ran for 1,129 yards and 14 TDs for the Wildcats while averaging a robust 5.7 YPC. Davis also added on 33 receptions showing that he does have some pass-catching to his game. This all felt like killer value all the way down at pick 4.07. He may be 24 already but I’m not overly concerned with that, especially with such a late draft selection.
4.08 – Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
@dougharrelson
The tight end position makes for interesting late dart throws due to positional scarcity. I do not value the position as highly if I am already tight on my Taxi squad spots as they do tend to take a while to fully develop. Stover in particular has some nice explosiveness and the ability to high-point the football, traits we love to see for a potential ceiling at the position.
4.09 – Jaheim Bell, TE, FSU
@dff_mr
Yeah, we’re throwing darts at this point but Jaheim Bell has been a top-5 TE on my Rookie Draft board. Not a ton of production in college but heavily recruited and touted as a prospect after transferring to FSU in 2022. I don’t expect any immediate pop from Bell other than potential spot starts, but maybe an Isaiah Likely-type career arc is in store. Grab and stash on your Taxi Squad; revisit in 2025.
4.10 – Kendall Milton, RB, Georgia
@dff_woody
One of the ‘Devy darlings’ of this class, Milton has been highly regarded in Devy circles since his 2020 freshman season. Two of the biggest obstacles to more playing time at Georgia were injuries and competition at the position. Playing behind James Cook, Zamir White, and Kenny McIntosh through 2022, Milton never had the opportunity to lead this backfield. However, on a per-touch basis, he took the most of his opportunity, averaging 7.0 and 6.5 yards per carry over the ’22 and ’23 seasons. With likely day 3 draft capital in the NFL draft, it makes sense why he is available at the 4.10, as he projects to be more of a developmental RB prospect.
4.11 – Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
@force_fantasy
This is a process pick, pure and simple. I am not overly high on a 23 year old NCAA FCS subdivision back. What do I like? One: I want running backs with contingent injury upside this late in the draft. Two: I want running backs with receiving upside. His 24.3% targets per route run were highest of any running back in this class. He posted 68 receptions and 699 yards receiving last year blowing the rest of the RB class out of the water in receiving.
4.12 – Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
@jim_dff
Dallin Holker had an interesting college career, to say the least. He took two years off after his freshman season at BYU, eventually coming back to continue his football career, and then transferring to Colorado State as a senior. He had a breakout season for the Rams, accumulating 105 targets in the regular season, which was 25 more than any other tight end in the FBS. If you watch Holker’s highlight film, you’ll quickly notice that he has some of the best hands in the country. He makes the impossible catches look easy. Holker isn’t especially athletic and won’t beat any DBs deep, but he could be a reliable receiver out of the slot in the NFL, working the short-to-intermediate areas specifically. I’m willing to take a shot on Holker based on his pass-catching abilities.
